Operational traffic simulation models are powerful tools that help transportation agencies improve planning, design, and real-time operations. Understanding how state departments of transportation (DOTs) develop, manage, and apply these models can enhance consistency, reliability, and decision-making across projects. TRB hosted a webinar on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern that explored how DOTs use operational traffic simulation models in practice. Presenters shared examples of how simulation modeling supports real-world transportation projects, and discussed lessons learned from Virginia’s policies and practices for traffic operations analysis.
This webinar was based on NCHRP Synthesis Report 650: Practices for Operational Traffic Simulation Models.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s National Cooperative Highway Research Program.
The slides are available. Please visit the webinar details page to access the recording.
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Policies and practices for traffic operations analysis in Virginia – Sanhita Lahiri, VDOT
• Overview of DOT practices for operational traffic simulation models – Henry Brown, University of Missouri
• Balancing precision and pragmatism: Lessons from the I-270 EIS Simulation Strategy – Rachel Ackermann, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
• Question and answer session moderated by Ryan Hale, MoDOT

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe general DOT practices for operational traffic simulation models
• Identify applications of operational traffic simulation models and conditions that are most suitable for the use of operational traffic simulation models
• Consider tradeoffs between precision and data availability and other constraints in the use of operational traffic simulation models

 
Professional Development Hours
This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.
Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.